Finishing a basement can be a huge task. It can add a lot of extra living space to your home and can be a great way to increase the value of your property. But before you start any work, you must ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Drainage is one of the critical things to consider when finishing a basement. A French drain can be a great way to ensure proper drainage and help keep your basement dry.
If you’re considering finishing your basement, here’s what you need to know about using a French drain.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a drainage system that removes water from an area. It is typically composed of a perforated pipe placed in a gravel bed. The gravel allows the water to flow through the pipe and away from the area where it is draining. French drains are often used in areas with a lot of water, such as near a swimming pool or basement.
What Are the Benefits of French Drain in Basement?
1) A French Drain Can Help To Keep Your Basement Dry
A French drain can be a lifesaver if you live in an area with a high water table or if your basement is prone to flooding. By redirecting water away from your foundation and into a drainage system, you can help to keep your basement dry and free of mold and mildew.
While a French drain is not a cure-all for basement flooding, it can be a helpful addition to your home’s waterproofing system.
2) It Helps When You Turn Your Basement Into a Bedroom
A basement turned into a bedroom is the perfect place for a French drain. Installing a French drain ensures that your basement stays dry and free of any water damage. A French drain will also help keep your basement cooler in the summer.
It is essential to follow the International Residential Code (IRC) for building a bedroom in the basement. The IRC is a set of standards that must be met when constructing any new living space.
Read more: Is It Illegal to Have a Bedroom in the Basement or What?
3) It Helps Ensure Your Valuables Stay Safe
If you have valuables stored in your basement, it is essential to install a French drain. A French drain will help keep your basement dry and water damage-free.
Steps Involved in Constructing a French Drain
1) Excavate the area around the perimeter of your basement, slanting the excavated soil away from the foundation.
2) Install a perforated pipe along the perimeter of the basement, making sure that the holes in the pipe are facing down.
3) Backfill the excavated area with gravel, covering the perforated pipe completely.
4) Install a sump pump in the basement and connect it to the perforated pipe.
5) Cover the gravel with soil and plant grass seed or lay sod over the area.
Why Should You Call Experts for French Drain in Basement?
1) They have the best tools and equipment.
These include a sump pump, a drainage pipe, and a catch basin.
2) They know how to install the French drain properly.
This involves sloping the pipe so that water flows away from your home. They also ensure that the catch basin is installed correctly so that water is properly drained away.
3) They can help you troubleshoot any problems that you may have.
For expert basement remodeling Alpharetta, contact R&S Basements. They will be able to tell you definitively if a French drain can work for your basement.
